Losing Ugly: Celtics 92, Pistons 104

I had envisioned writing this recap entitled “Winning Ugly” and extolling the virtues of this Celtics team. In the face of adversity, this team got on the back of their Captain Paul Pierce and took control of the game.

Instead, Pierce called out to his teammates and his teammates checked their phone and said, “hmmm….I’ll call him back.“ Ray Allen looked listless when his team needed him the most. Glen Davis had an opportunity to step up in the absence of Kevin Garnett and proceeded to brick nine of his 15 shot attempts.

Kevin Garnett’s injury could not have come at a worse time. The Celtics have just had their 14 game winning streak broken on Christmas Day and have already been dealing with Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkin‘s injuries. The Celtics are likely to get Rondo back on Friday, but how hobbled will he be?

The Celtics shot over fifty percent from the field (51.5%) and still lost the Rodney-Stuckey-less Pistons by 12. Tracy McGrady looked like and aging superstar rather than just a permanently injured one, scoring 21 points and dishing out 8 assists. After Garnett’s injury, the Pistons smelled blood and Charlie Villanueva seemed to have the best blood hound. When Garnett when down with what Doc River’s is referring to as “a muscle thing”, Villanueva took advantage by drilling 4-of-6 from deep and finished the game with 14 points. Celtics fans are lucky. Charlie picked up two quick fouls playing patty cake with KG and had to leave the game late due to foul trouble. The guy had a hot shooting night and the damage could have been a lot worse.

“Of course, Kevin Garnett, after earning three unwarranted superstar calls, filibustered his knee and had to leave this embarrassment.”

I am not surprised with the sentiment. I am surprised to find out that Garnett’s knee was up for a vote it’s passage has been delayed.

If you need any other reason to dislike Charlie Villanueva other than that he’s overpaid, overrated, and does not play any defense, here’s a video of him asking for a towel, and then throwing it up in the air in an attempt to distract Paul Pierce taking free throws: